QUEST FOR THE HEARTLAND

Formed in 1993 in Deurne in the region of North Brabant,RICOCHER started as ''Truss'',being mainly a cover band,before releasing a demo tape entitled ''A Scream For Help'' in 1994,already having changed their name to RICOCHER.The years brought the departure of original guitarist Kimmo Zegers and the arrival of Bart Van Helmond.The new stable line-up recorded the 4-track EP ''Quest For The Heartland'' in 2000 with an excellent cover painted by Mattias Noren.

STYLE: The sound of the band has a lot of similarities to other Dutch Neo Prog groups of the time and the ever-growing UK neo scene.It falls somewhere between catchy Neo Progressive and melodic Symphonic Rock with evident emphasis on qualitive vocal lines,floating keyboards and impressive solos.Plenty of rhythmic parts,changing tempos between songs,but also a good dose of symphonic keys' arrangements.The sound of the guitars is pretty heavy but carefully mixed to fall into the Prog Rock category.The overall result is a mini-album with plenty of memorable moments to satisfy the listener of easy-going modern prog.

SOUNDS/INFLUENCES: The biggest influence had to be ARENA,this EP holds a lot of the ''The pride'' or ''The visitor'' atmosphere,especially on the long title track.Other good reference points are LANDMARQ,MARILLION,MINDGAMES as well as Dutch fellows NOVEMBER,PTS and TIMELOCK.

PLUS: For a Neo Prog band,RICOCHER know exactly what the league's demands.A very clean production supported by an inpressive artwork.Lots of decent guitar solos.A good vocalist to support the album's atmosphere.A nice balance between more catchy and more challenging moments.

MINUS: As most of current neo bands,RICOCHER do not have their own personality.The music is played in a very safe way with no risks.We have heard tons of bands trying to play such kind of music,so it is very hard to get their own identity.

WILL APPEAL TO: ...Fans of Neo/Symphonic Prog and melodic prog.

CONCLUSION/RATING: ''Quest For The Heartland'' belongs pretty much among the albums I love to hate and I hate to love.Decent musicianship,talented musicians, nice balanced tracks but with not even a trace of adventure for a demanding ear.3 stars that is.